Obesity Helpline Number on Larger Size Clothes, Isn’t An Insult?

In year 2006, writing in the British Medical Journal (from Times Online UK ), health specialists in the UK are suggesting to the government to consider the following ideas to deal with obesity issue: Clothes made in larger sizes should carry a tag with an obesity helpline number. So, what sizes are considered to be large then? All clothes sold with a waist of more than 40in for men and 37in for boys, women’s garments with a waist of more than 35in or size 16 or above, and more than 31in for girls.(…) Read the rest of Obesity Helpline Number on Larger Size Clothes, Isn’t An Insult? (99 words) One comment | © Exercise , 2007-2009. |Fitness|Fitness|Fitness

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Obesity Helpline Number on Larger Size Clothes, Isn’t An Insult?

Michael Jackson Putting Too Much Stress On His Body

Right after Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, many websites have written about his death. It is believed that he had cardiac arrest (heart fails to contract and therefore affecting circulation of blood). While many knew that Michael is preparing for “This Is It” (series of 50 concerts in London), not many knew that he has engaged a bodybuilder to prepare him for the concerts. Michael Jackson has actually engaged Lou Ferrigno as his personal trainer. The name of Lou Ferrigno may sound unfamiliar, but when you saw these below pictures, you will know who he is. Yes, Lou Ferrigno is the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk television series. Lou and Michael have actually known each other for long time. In fact, Lou first trained Michael about 15 years ago. Talking about training, contrary to belief, it was not the hardcore type of weight training with huge load, it was more about conditioning and toning. Michael did not want to lift weights because he worried that he would bulk up. He just wanted to increase his flexibility and stamina. Michael paid much attention to his legs and therefore he spend most time in “conditioning and toning” his legs for his dance moves. Also, he chose not to run on treadmill; he just walked as his workout. According to one of Lou’s interviews, Michael was in good health and great spirits, but his body was going through stress getting ready for the tour. Michael was seeing a voice teacher, then he went to train with Lou and later rushed to do rehearsing for at least 3 hours downtown. Some people said Michael Jackson’s talent was gifted and was luck to born with it.  The truth is that he worked his butt off.  What we saw on stage was years of long hours of his time spent in perfecting his dance.  Not many knew that he spent hours in studio practicing his songs. There was no discussion about medication nor other medical problems. Due to hectic schedule, he lost more weight. Jackson has actually been losing weight since early 1980s because of a change in diet and a desire for “a dancer’s body”. The 50-year old singer was 126 pounds (57 kilogram) at his height of 5′11 when he died. Rumor said that he ate only one meal a day. Here are some pictures of Michael Jackson during his very last rehearsal for the comeback tour. It is pity that Michael did not do any weight training, even under Lou, who himself is a professional bodybuilder (second place at 1974 Mr Olympia). I am not speculating by pumping iron, Michael would be able live longer. But, as we age, we still need muscle to help maintaining our body metabolism and we need muscles for day to day activities. So, looking at the high amount of on and off stage activities with only a meal a day, Michael was really putting a huge stress on his body. With the global focus on his come back, he probably has to go through huge mental pressure. No matter what other rumors talk about Michael Jackson, he still is one of the best entertainers on the stage. He was hardworking. He gave his best for his fans. Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone live from 1999 Korea concert: Rest in peace, our beloved King of Pop. No comment | © Exercise , 2007-2009. |Fitness|Fitness|Fitness

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Michael Jackson Putting Too Much Stress On His Body

How To Sell Gym Membership With Sex?

When competitions are getting stiffer, the fine line between creative marketing and overt sexuality is getting even thinner. In US, Equinox Fitness Club which is an upmarket fitness center has launched its “Happily Ever” campaign with a provocative advertisement campaign. May be it is true that sex sells in almost all industries, including fitness industry as I wrote in my earlier article – Does Sex Still Sell in Sports? Here are some of the controversial print advertisement posters: The above picture shows that in an art class, few nuns are sketching a well toned naked male model. The nuns look like they hardly contain themselves. They get to look at thing and imagine what it might be when it gets touch. A good looking young man bends over backward by being a table and serving food to guests at a costume party. A beautiful middle aged woman, in form-fitting dress, celebrates her birthday with few men of various ages surrounding her and trying hard to get her attention. I wonder whether she is able to blow out so many candles on such a huge cake. She probably can “blow” the men away with her power. A group of women preparing themselves for plastic surgery with marking on their bodies. The look “artificial” with heavy makeup and stylized hair. However, the natural beauty captures the attention of an equally fit male model. If the print ads are not good enough, check out the Equinox Fitness Club video ads which appears in cinema: Mun’s Comment: These advertisements can cut both ways. While some will be impressed, I will not blame others for associating this advertisement with soft porn. The advertisement agency has presented images which are playful. It goes beyond physical beauty of well toned body. It is also about fantasy – sensual situations with erotic and voyeuristic moment. The video is artistic. It creates an atmosphere which is mysterious and may get people go for a gym tour. But, I am not sure what will happen if a layman does not find what he or she has expected to see in the ads in the real gym. Out of few print ads, the one with nun is the most controversial. It pushed a boundary to the next line. I am sure some are offended by the use of nuns in the photo. I hope that the image of gym will not be associated with “meat market” by layman. The tag line of the campaign is “Happily Evers. What’s your after? It’s not fitness. It’s life”. I guess the ads with the older woman blowing candles matches what the tag line is saying. Older yet still hot? The ads has got viewer to visualize a provocative outcome. I realize that different fitness clubs target different market . So, the campaigns are clearly reflective of its strategy for its target audience – well educated professionals age between 25 and 55 and with high household income, as claimed by the company. The typical gym is charging less than $100 or much lesser a month whereas Equinox rate is about $120 a month. The advertisement went to the street in January 2008 when many people are having new year resolution to get on diet, be more fit or to lose weight. Getting noticed is critical. Like it or not, Equinox Fitness Club has achieved what it wanted for the marketing campaign. It gets people talking about the advertisement, mentioning about its name and getting them curious to visit the gyms. No publicity is bad publicity? The club has opened a new chapter for marketing approach. The creative director of the ads has defended the ads by saying that they are shot through the lens of a female photographer. It probably not the last company doing this – presenting fit gorgeous models in as little clothing as possible to sell gym memberships. Despite the negative comments, take this advertisement just an advertisement. It may not indicative of the clientele or the atmosphere. No comment | © Exercise , 2007-2009. |Fitness|Fitness|Fitness

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How To Sell Gym Membership With Sex?